Facelift – what does it involve, what results does it produce, and how much does it cost?

You might feel great, be full of energy and have plans for the years ahead, yet your face might tell a completely different story. An increasingly less defined oval face, sagging cheeks, deepening nasolabial folds. These changes don’t happen overnight. That’s precisely why they’re so easy to overlook – until one day you notice them in a photograph or in the mirror.

The problem isn’t always down to wrinkles. As we age, the structure of the skin changes, the quantity and quality of collagen fibres decrease, and the tissues gradually lose their elasticity. Your face may look tired, sad or older than your actual age would suggest. A cream alone won’t solve all these problems, as not all changes occur on the skin’s surface.

Does this mean that surgery is the only option? Not necessarily. Facelift covers various methods of improving skin firmness and appearance – ranging from non-surgical procedures to surgical facelifts. One option is laser lift, of which 4D endolifting, which combines four stages of work with tissues – from the oral cavity right through to the skin’s surface.

Find out what each method involves, what results you can expect from them, and what determines the cost of a facelift. Because before you decide what to do about the changes you see in the mirror, it’s worth knowing what’s really behind them.

What does a facelift involve?

Facelift this refers to methods whose aim is to improved skin firmness and facial contours. Depending on the procedure chosen, it is possible to target various structures: the skin, subcutaneous tissue or deeper tissues.

As we get older, the skin gradually loses collagen i elastin. Its elasticity decreases, and regenerative processes slow down. These changes also affect fatty tissue and the structures that support the face. As a result, the cheeks may sag, the jawline becomes less defined, and furrows and wrinkles become more visible.

Not every method works for all these problems. Surgical facelift It allows the tissues to be repositioned and tightened in a way that non-surgical procedures cannot achieve. In turn, laser methods They focus primarily on the controlled application of energy to the skin and on stimulating its regenerative processes.

Is it possible to have a facelift without surgery?

Yes. There are methods that can improve skin firmness and quality without the need for surgical incisions. However, it is important to have a proper understanding of what they can achieve.

Non-surgical facelift may be a solution for people with moderate sagging skin, loss of firmness, fine lines or a less defined facial contour. However, it cannot replace surgery in cases of significant excess skin and advanced tissue sagging.

Non-surgical methods include, amongst others, laser technologies, radiofrequency, ultrasound and procedures involving tissue stimulation. Each one works differently and meets slightly different needs.

It is therefore important to assess the condition of the skin and set a realistic treatment goal before choosing a method.

4D Endolifting – a four-stage laser facelift

4D endolifting This is a procedure that uses two laser wavelengths: Er:YAG i Nd:YAG . This combination allows work to be carried out at different tissue levels and takes into account both skin tension and its surface structure.

The name „4D” refers to the four stages of therapy. Each stage has a different purpose.

What does the Endolifting 4D treatment involve?

4D endolifting This is a non-surgical laser treatment that combines four complementary stages of treatment involving facial tissues. It utilises two wavelengths – Er:YAG i Nd:YAG - which means it can target both the deeper layers and the surface of the skin.

Each stage has a different objective: from improving tissue tone on the oral side, through thermal stimulation of the deeper layers of the skin, to smoothing the skin’s surface. The entire session lasts approximately 60 minutes.

1. Endolifting – the laser’s effect from within

The first stage involves non-ablative laser treatment Er: YAG from the side of the mouth. Laser energy acts on the tissues within the cheeks and around the nasolabial folds, producing a controlled thermal effect and stimulating remodelling processes collagen fibres.

The aim of this part of the treatment is to improve the tone and elasticity of the tissues and to reduce the appearance of nasolabial furrows. During the treatment, you may feel some warmth, the intensity of which is controlled by the person administering the therapy.

2. FRAC3 – improving skin quality

In the second stage, a laser is used Nd:YAG , which delivers energy to the deeper layers of the skin. Its fractional action produces a controlled thermal effect, supporting tissue remodelling processes.

This stage focuses on improving skin texture and colour, as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin texture. You will feel warmth during the treatment, and the cooling system helps to make the treatment more comfortable.

3. PIANO – deep thermal effect

The third stage utilises long laser pulses Nd:YAG , which enable the gradual heating of deeper tissues. The controlled delivery of energy is intended to induce a thermal effect and stimulate the processes responsible for remodelling collagen.

PIANO is aimed at improving skin firmness, density and tone. During this part of the treatment, you will feel warmth, the intensity of which is controlled by the person carrying out the procedure.

4. SupErficial – smoothing the skin’s surface

The final stage uses a laser Er: YAG for performing a gentle, superficial laser peel. Controlled ablation involves removing part of the outermost layer of the epidermis, which helps to smooth its surface.

The aim of this stage is to improve skin texture, smoothness and appearance. This stage complements the previous steps, focusing on surface irregularities and the quality of the epidermis.

What results can you expect from a laser facelift?

The results depend on the initial condition of the skin, the degree of sagging, the parameters used and the individual’s response.

After 4D Endolifting You can expect an improvement in skin firmness and elasticity, a smoother skin surface and a more defined facial contour. In some patients The appearance of nasolabial folds and fine lines may also improve.

However, this does not mean that everyone will achieve the same result. Laser facelift It does not remove excess skin and does not produce results identical to those of a surgical facelift. The results may develop gradually, as collagen is remodelled.

A small prospective study published in 2026 assessed changes following laser therapy Er:YAG i Nd:YAG . Thirteen women took part in the study, and the observations indicated an improvement in selected facial tone parameters.

Who might benefit from a laser facelift?

4D Endolifting may be an option for people who notice:

• a loss of skin firmness and elasticity,
• a less pronounced oval face shape,
• prominent nasolabial folds,
• fine lines,
• uneven skin texture,
• signs of ageing that do not require surgical correction.

The final decision on eligibility depends on an examination and assessment by a specialist. Factors to be taken into account include, amongst others, the condition of the skin, a history of previous procedures, any medication being taken, and any underlying medical conditions or contraindications.

Active infections or inflammation in the treatment area, healing disorders or certain medical conditions may require the procedure to be postponed or an alternative method to be chosen. The person conducting the assessment will decide whether the treatment can be carried out.

What is the 4D Endolifting treatment like, and do you need to get back to your daily routine?

Before starting treatment, the specialist assesses the condition of the skin, discusses expectations and rules out any contraindications. They then select the treatment parameters and the area to be treated.

The procedure itself comprises the four stages described. During laser operation You may feel warmth, and depending on the mode used and your skin’s individual reaction, you may experience temporary redness, swelling or tenderness.

The duration of the appointment depends on the scope of the treatment. You should not assume that everyone will undergo the treatment without experiencing any post-treatment symptoms. You will receive advice on aftercare and returning to your daily activities following your assessment and the procedure.

As with any method that uses laser energy, there are also side effects that occur extremely rarely. These include, amongst others, burns, pigmentation disorders and scarring. The risk depends on a number of factors, including treatment parameters, the area being treated and individual predispositions.

How much does a facelift cost? The price of a 4D Endolift at Wellclinic

The cost of a facelift It depends on the method chosen, the area being treated and the number of sessions required.

The Wellclinic price list shows the following amounts for 4D Endolifting:

• The whole face: 2900 zł / 3600 zł.
• The whole face and neck: 4350 zł / 5050 zł.

The price list shows two prices for each category; however, the previously published information about the discount was valid for a limited period only. Please check the current price with your chosen clinic before booking an appointment.

Don’t wait until the changes start to bother you

A loss of firmness, a less defined facial contour or deepening furrows do not necessarily mean that surgery is the only way to improve one’s appearance. However, this does not mean that every method will be suitable for everyone. Where there is only slight skin laxity, non-surgical options may be considered; however, where there is a significant excess of skin or advanced tissue sagging, a different approach may be required.

The most important thing is to identify the problem correctly, rather than choosing the most heavily advertised method. During the consultation, the specialist will assess the condition of your skin, the degree of loss of firmness and the needs of the tissues. On this basis, they will help you determine whether a laser facelift, Endolifting 4D or another method is likely to deliver the desired result.

Don’t just guess which method will suit your face. Find out more during a consultation at Wellclinic. Book an appointment and speak to a specialist about the options for improving skin firmness – before you decide on a treatment.

Sources:

1. PubMed: ""A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials comparing the efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction of ablative and non-ablative lasers in facial and hand rejuvenation/resurfacing" (2022).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35107665/

2. PubMed: "Three-Dimensional Imaging of Dynamic Changes Following Nd:YAG/Er:YAG Laser Skin Tightening: A Prospective Study" (2026).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.ghttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41472528/

3. Fotona: "Fotona4D® – Multiple Modalities for Enhanced Results".
https://www.fotona.com/en/treatments/2045/fotona4d

4. Fotona: "Fotona4D® – 4 Steps to Rejuvenate the Four Dimensions of Facial Ageing".
https://www.fotona.com/media/objave/timewalker_brochure_2019.pdf

5. FDA: "510(k) Premarket Notification – SP Dynamis, K143723".
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?ID=K143723

Katarzyna Pawłowska – a journalist specialising in health and lifestyle topics. A graduate in Journalism from the University of Warsaw, she is passionate about creating expert content on health, beauty and longevity (the science of living longer).